10 Must Do Winter Adventures in California
by Aventura on November 11, 2022
Yosemite Valley
California is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature all year long. When the temperature drops and the days become shorter, there's nothing quite like exploring there than during the winter season.
California has some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. From Yosemite National Park to Joshua Tree National Park, you'll find that there are plenty of places where you can go hiking, camping, or just enjoy some peace away from city life.
There are also plenty of winter festivals going on throughout the state that will make it easy for you to get in touch with your creative side while getting into the holiday spirit at the same time.
So whether you’re looking for an easy ski or something more challenging, this article will walk you through some of the best winter adventures in California.
10 Things to Do in Winter in California
California is a playground for adventure seekers. The state boasts some of the best winter activities in the world, from skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and snowshoeing.
If you're looking for adventure and fun, California has plenty to offer.
California is a state of extremes, from the deserts to the mountains and everything in between. Winter is no exception. While the rest of America hunkers down and waits for spring, California turns into a winter wonderland.
Here are ten must-do Winter adventures in California:
Located at the base of Mt. Shasta in Northern California, this park offers 9 miles of groomed trails that wind through pine forests and meadows. The Mt. Shasta Ski Park has some of the best snowshoeing trails in northern California, offering various levels of difficulty for all skill levels. Visitors can hike up on their own or take a guided tour by snowmobile. There's even an ice skating rink that stays open until March!
Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in California. If you're staying in Lake Tahoe, this resort is a great place to cross-country ski during the winter months. The resort offers both downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding on more than 6000 acres of trails. Sugar Bowl also has base lodges with dining options available for skiers and boarders alike.
Big Bear Lake, which is just a few hours east of Los Angeles, is known for its snow sports and winter weather. If you’re looking for some fun things to do during the cold months, head over to Aspen Glen Picnic Area. The area is located near the lake and offers some great sledding opportunities.
At Aspen Glen Picnic Area, you'll find a small hill with just enough incline and run-off that it won't feel too steep or too dangerous. If you don't have your sleds, there are plenty of wooden ones available for rent nearby.
Yosemite National Park is one of America's most iconic national parks, and it's known for its towering mountains, rushing waterfalls, and beautiful meadows. Yosemite National Park offers camping year-round at sites like Upper Pines Campground and Camp 4. Permits must be obtained through the park service beforehand, so make sure to plan ahead.
Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous piers in America and is one of the best places to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in Los Angeles. The pier will be transformed into a party zone with live entertainment, food trucks, and more. During this time, you can enjoy all your favorite activities like roller coasters, carnival rides, and fireworks displays. This is a great way to ring in the new year with your family and friends.
Mammoth Mountain is one of the best ski resorts in the world. With 3,500 skiable acres and an average of 400 inches of snowfall Mammoth is a great option to get your carves in. Even if you’re not planning on hitting the slopes, you can still enjoy winter activities like snowmobiling and ice skating.
Ice climbing has become a popular activity for visitors to Sequoia National Park during the winter months. This is due in part to the park’s proximity to Mount Whitney — the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States — which offers an ideal climbing area for experts and beginners alike. Ice climbers can choose from multiple routes within the park, including Mount Whitney itself, or they can opt for easy climbs on nearby peaks such as Mount Langley or Mount Kaweah. All climbers need to do is bring their gear and check with rangers before heading out into the wilderness. This activity requires some experience and skill, so it’s best suited for experienced climbers who are familiar with their gear and conditions.
There are few things better than sliding down a mountain in the middle of winter, and snow tubing is one of our favorite ways to do it. Several resorts in California offer this activity, but we recommend Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood for its variety of tubing runs, including two for beginners and two for more advanced riders.
Mountain High also has a plethora of other activities on offer, including cross-country skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and ice skating. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or weekend with the kids, head over to Wrightwood and enjoy some winter fun.
Mammoth Mountain is an ideal spot to go dog sledding in the winter. You can ride along the mountain trails with a furry friend or take a guided tour of the area. The dogs are well-trained and will enjoy playing with you while you enjoy the scenery.
Ice skating is one of those rare things in life where everyone can enjoy it equally, regardless of age or skill level. This makes it the perfect activity for families or friends who want to have fun together without having to worry about keeping up with each other or falling behind. The best place to go ice skating in San Francisco is at Union Square Park, which has an outdoor rink that’s open from November through February each year!
